common enemy [Ryuji Sakamoto x Reader]

chapter eighteen: stitched up

"...I really like you."

Despite him looking awfully bashful about it, one of Ryuji's hands moved to caress your cheek with an air of gentleness, as if you would break beneath him. His palm provided a small area of warmth, causing you to subconsciously lean into it.

Did he just say what I think he said?

"You mean it as a friend or...?" You questioned, wanting to make absolutely sure of what you were hearing.

His eyes flickered away from yours as he opened his mouth to speak. "I've... had a crush on you for a while now..."

You abruptly giggled, pink adorning your cheeks, causing him to turn back towards you. "I think I've felt the same way about you too, Ryuji."

He perked up at that, squeezing you a bit tighter against his chest, an action you were thankful for as your numbness to the cold began to fade, along with all of your previous worries. The two of you stayed that way for a while, him holding you in his arms, whilst listening to the patter of water droplets against the sakura's brown leaves, which then slid down the slick surfaces to land with a splash on the asphalt pathways.

"Can I... kiss you?"

You broke out of your trance to find Ryuji's hand now under your chin, slightly tilting your head up to face him. His features were dusted with a tint of red, making it clear that he was beyond embarrassed for asking. He carefully studied your plump, pinkish lips, almost tempted to lean forward right on the spot, but that small sliver of uncertainty held him back.

Your gentle nod was all he needed as a sign of approval, allowing him to slowly lean downward and push his lips against yours. Your eyes gradually slid closed, making no move to deny his request. The sensation was soft, giving you a slightly ticklish feeling in the pit of your stomach. You moved your lips together with his, thoroughly lost in the feeling of being connected with someone else. Eventually, however, you were forced to respond to your need for air, parting from him.

At the realization of what the two of you had done, both of your faces lit up in a blush. You couldn't help but laugh at the sight, Ryuji staring at your curiously.

"What's so funny?"

"I didn't expect you to be so shy, Ryu." Your eyes widened for a second when you realized you had subconsciously given him a nickname, but he seemed pleased by it nonetheless.

"Take a look at your own damn self before coming after me," he sighed.

As the adrenaline running through your veins gradually trickled away, the pain from your injured arm brought you back to reality.

"Ouch." You winced when Ryuji shifted his position slightly. He shot you a concerned glance before turning his gaze to finally notice the blood seeping through your uniform.

"(F/n), your arm is fucking bleeding!" He shot up from his position, ripping off a piece of his shirt to wrap around your wound as you continued to groan. "Why the fuck didn't you say anything?! I would have left all this bullshit for later."

"I'm sorr-" Before you could apologize, since he did seem legitimately angry, your legs were swept out from underneath you as he hoisted you into his arms and began to walk. "Where are we going?"

"I'm bringing you home, obviously."

You decided not to protest and gazed longingly at the sakura tree as it disappeared from your view. Being carried bridal style also gave you the chance to realize how muscular Ryuji actually was; a fact that had been hidden by the long sleeves of his uniform. You figured that the Phantom Thieves work kept him more in shape than his years on the track team had. You weren't even embarassed about thinking that sort of thing anymore; the loss of blood that your body had been undergoing was starting to bring you into a state of fatigue. Black spots danced around your vision as you began to feel lightheaded. It almost felt as if you were intoxicated.

"What are you staring at?" His voice was gentler than it had been before as he observed your tired expression. You met his eyes, realizing that you'd been caught staring. You didn't mind.

"You're really strong, Ryu."

Wrinkles appeared on his forehead as he gave you another concerned look, which was the only thing you saw before succumbing to the darkness and falling limp in his arms.

•••

When you came to, you'd been laid on your kitchen counter with a pillow under your head. Ryuji was concentrated; he had a needle in his hand and was in the process of stitching your wound closed with incredible focus. You admired his serious expression for a few seconds before you began to feel the pain that came with stitches. Your quick intake of breath when he pulled the suture through your skin alerted him that you were awake.

"Shit, sorry!" He cringed at the sight of your face screwn up in pain, moving to work as gently as possible. "I'm on the last one."

You fisted your arm at your side, gritting your teeth in an attempt to bear with it for the moment. Thankfully, he pulled the needle back through with a relieved sigh, cutting the suture and tying it. Your arm was sore, but the pain wasn't unbearable.

"Shouldn't this hurt a lot more than it actually does?" You used your good arm to lift yourself off of the countertop as Ryuji rushed to support you in case you fell, muttering that you shouldn't be getting up so quickly.

"For one thing, the metaverse bullets aren't real." He sighed, his face full of worry. "I also used something to numb the pain a little bit."

You raised an eyebrow. "You guys have medical supplies?"

He nodded. "You saw what we were doing in there. We're constantly gettin' hurt."

You thought about it for a minute before deciding that you were too exhausted to pursue the subject any further. With a sigh, you plopped forward onto Ryuji's damp chest as red bloomed on his face yet again. "Carry me?"

"Wha-?"

"You're really too easy to tease. Besides, you carried me to my house, didn't you?"

He lifted you into his arms, a gentle smile adorning his features. "There's the (F/n) I know and enjoy."

It was your turn to blush. "What do you mean by that? Was I gone before?"

"I mean that you weren't acting like yourself for the longest time," he turned his face away for a second, "and I was... worried..."